Conservative Anglicans form new council over woman church leader
Conservative Anglican bishops have established a new body in response to the Church of England appointing its first female leader. Sarah Mullally is set to become the Archbishop of Canterbury, a move that has sparked opposition from several African archbishops. The new council, led by Laurent Mbanda, aims to represent those who disagree with the Church's decision. The debate highlights divisions within the global Anglican community.
What we know
- Conservative bishops announced the creation of a new leadership body on Thursday.
- The Global Anglican Future Conference (Gafcon) named Laurent Mbanda, archbishop of Rwanda, as chairman of the new council in Abuja.
- Sarah Mullally, a former nurse, is set to become the Archbishop of Canterbury on March 25.
- Several African archbishops, including Henry Ndukuba of Nigeria, have publicly opposed a woman leading the Church of England.
- Nigeria has about 18 million Anglicans, making it the second-largest Anglican community after England.
